More legislation takes on smokers

SALEM - Smokers, Democrats are coming after you - again. In addition to the proposals to raise cigarette taxes and ban smoking in bars and taverns, a new bill would create the offense of smoking in a motor vehicle while a person under age 17 is inside.

House Bill 2796 says "A person commits the offense of smoking in a motor vehicle if a person smokes cigars, cigarettes or tobacco in any form in a motor vehicle while a person under 17 years of age is in the motor vehicle."

The bill would set maximum fines at $90 for the first offense, which would be a Class D traffic violation; $180 for a second offense, which would be a Class C traffic violation; and $360 for the third offense or more, which would be a Class B traffic violation.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis. Eight other House Democrats signed on in support of the proposal.